A B-52H Stratofortress bomber crashed at Edwards Air Force Base in California on Monday, killing all eight crew members on board. The aircraft, operated by a joint aircrew of active-duty airmen, government civilians, and contractors from the 419th Flight Test Squadron, went down just before noon shortly after takeoff for a routine test mission.
The flight was part of the Radar Modernization Program, which aims to extend the service life of the 1950s-era bombers. The aircraft crashed back onto the same 15,000-foot runway from which it had departed, according to base officials.
The crew included pilots, weapon systems officers, and flight test engineers, among them Gregory Watson, 53, of Shreveport, Louisiana; Lt. Gabriel Estrella, 40, of Edwards AFB; Miles Middleton, 50, of Tehachapi; Major Alexander Davis, 34, of Lancaster; Major Robert Dee, 40; Major Brad Hovey, 35; Jeromy Smith, 32, of Rosamond; and Christopher Rischar, 41, of Lancaster.
Col. James Hayes, deputy commander for the 412th Test Wing, confirmed the crash in a statement, saying the bomber had lifted off for a routine mission supporting the Radar Modernization Program.
The B-52 has been a staple of U.S. military operations from Vietnam to Iran.
The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing and could take up to six months to reach initial conclusions, officials said.
Col. Thomas Tauer, 412th Test Wing commander, expressed condolences, calling the victims "dedicated professionals, beloved family members and irreplaceable teammates." He added, "Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathies are with their families, loved ones, and fellow Airmen, Air Force civilians, and mission partners affected by this tragedy." The airfield remains closed until at least Thursday for cleanup, with flight test operations expected to resume early next week.